Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorders manifested in almost every part of children’s behavior. The most common treatment of ADHD is medication with stimulants, by specific amphetamine and methylphenidate. It is known that the treatment by stimulants may be accompanied by side effects from among decrease of appetite or changes in development as growth suppression and loss of weight which may present very serious phenomenon. Although many studies have monitored changes in growth and weight during medication, they did not provide definite results that the growth and weight suppression are caused by medication or not. According to many studies the height deficit is approximately amounted to 1 cm/year during the first 3 years of the treatment and can be clinically serious. Contrary to these findings some authors reported that the growth or weight changes can be a natural symptom of ADHD and not just a consequence of medication. The present article reviews key studies monitoring changes in parameters of growth in medicated children with ADHD, compares their results and suggest methodology improvements for further studies.
Source: Activitas Nervosa Superior
DOI: 10.1007/bf03379556
Authors: Radek Ptacek, Hana Kuzelova, Ivo Paclt
Institution: Charles University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,780
OpenAlex ID: W323117236